Amotekun: Army withdraws soldiers from checkpoints in Ondo, shuns security meetings

By ADEWALE MOMOH, Akure

Security threat looms in Ondo State after the Nigerian Army withdrew its personnel from various checkpoints mounted on major border areas and hot spots across the state.

According to a security source, who confided in our correspondent over the development, the withdrawal of the soldiers was due to a cold war with the Corp Commandant of the Amotekun in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.

The Brigade Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Yakubu Yerima was said to have ordered that all military checkpoints be dismantled and directed the affected soldiers to return to their barracks.

According to findings, the withdrawal of the soldiers from the checkpoints was the climax of the cold war between Adeleye and the soldiers even as the intervention of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was said to have failed to settle the impasse.

It was also alleged that General Yerima has reportedly stayed away from state’s Security Council meetings in the last six months.

According to the source, since he took over as Brigade Commander, Gen. Yerima has protested the operations of Amotekun on the ground that the outfit’s operations were allegedly targeted against some persons who are from another part of the country.

Although no official confirmation has been received in this regard, it was observed that the checkpoints along Ago-Ajayi, Owo-Ikare Junction, Owena, Ajue, Igbara Oke and Uso Owo all normally manned by soldiers have all been dismantled.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Omojokun on the development proved abortive as he did not respond to calls made to his lines nor reply to text messages sent. (New Telegraph)